Enduring With Gratitude as 2010 is Coming to an End

Behold, we count them happy which endure . . .  James 5:11

Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.  1 Corinthians 13:7 

. . . and if they endure unto the end they shall be lifted up at the last day, and shall be saved in the everlasting kingdom of the Lamb; and whoso shall publish peace, yea, tidings of great joy, how beautiful upon the mountains shall they be.  1 Nephi 13:37   

 

This picture was taken today while we watched N. (from our English family) at her riding lesson.  It speaks the LOVE I wish to convey to you

Below is a message sent to friends and family a couple of years ago.  I believe it bears repeating.

This year has been as eventful as any other in terms of life’s ups and downs and we are grateful to be here and experience it all. Our bodies are still moving and our hearts are still beating; legs and arms work enough to get things done, and our brains still think and reason (though maybe a little slower and a misfire occasionally).

We can see the beauties around us (especially in nature, in children, in grandchildren), feel the cold and warmth on our faces, hear people speak to us and hear the birds singing and all other types of beautiful music (even if it needs to be a little louder). We give and feel hugs and love for and from others. We can touch and feel textures, hard and soft things, smooth, rough, and bumpy things, hot and cold things, fluid and solid things.

We can smell a variety of refreshing and wonderful aromas (and even stinky stuff). We can taste bitter and sweet, yummy, and just plain ‘ol good-for-you edibles. We have enough of everything we need and most of what we want. There is a roof over our heads and walls around to keep us safe and cozy. We have fuzzy blankets and a heater to keep us warm in the winter, and cool breezes invited in through our screens in the heat of summer.

It is grand to have such a variety of ways to communicate with others. There are untold opportunities to contribute to the well-being of others, our communities, and our planet. We are at peace in our little corner of the world. How very fortunate are we. Being alive is such a magnificent experience that it is impossible to document all the reasons why it is so!

Certainly, we recognize there are hardships, worries, suffering, and pain for everyone. Yet, much of the opposite is found amongst the worst of times when we seek it. Rather than tell you of all the difficulties others and we have dealt with this past year, we choose to focus on the basics of why we are joyful. Just knowing there is an eternal plan for our happiness, makes our short lives manageable. This is but a moment in a glorious eternity. If we did not know this, our burdens would indeed be hard to bear and the good times not as delightful.

May we all have the time to reflect on the good things of life, the positives we experience, and what we have that others do not. We wish for life to be gentle to you. May you always have the strength to face challenges, overcome barriers, and keep on keeping on. Let us learn to enjoy the enduring.